Tony Danza, an apology to teachers

So, I have read another book.  When visiting a local bookstore, I picked up Tony Danza's book "I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had."  The book is about his year that he spent teaching at a high school in Philadelphia and the A&E production "Teach."

I believe that about half of the stuff in the book would not have happened with out the celebrity Tony Danza; but I also believe that 100% of the stuff in the book would not have happend without Tony Danza, the man.  I believe that Mr. Danza's integrity to the students shines through, and without that, it would just be another celebrity "pet project."

I think Mr. Danza is being sincere in his book.  I think Mr. Danza actually learned what is like to be a teacher in today's environment.  Mr. Danza did not have a "full load;"  he only taught one block (90 minute) class.  Therefore, he did not experience the "real" thing. Mr. Danza realizes this, and he speaks about this in his book.  I applaud him, he has done what a lot of folks have not done, he attempted to "walk" in a teacher's shoes for one year.

The epilogue in the book really does speak to me as a veteran teacher.  Mr. Danza nails the issue directly on the head.

As a teacher, I have been so discouraged by the media, whether it's about a "bad" teacher or situation in a school, but also the back lash we teachers have to deal with in the classroom.  Education is not valued.  The media, TV entertainment, popular music, politicians and pundits do not follow through; yes, they may say education is important, but how do they back that up?  With more complaints about teachers in American classrooms?   We know what it will take.  Where are the people willing to make that happen?  We need more teachers to lower the student-teacher ratio, we need more support in our schools from school boards, administrators, parents, and local communities.  We do not need more rhetoric about data or accountability when the data or reports of accountability are not used in a valid manner.


I'd Like To Apologize To Every Teacher I Ever Had

Who's driving this train?

You know, I've been thinking about leadership for some time. 

I look at leaders in my field and consider what they are promoting.  If a leader makes a statement, pro or con about a belief, then doesn't that represent them?

I do not understand.

Through the use of logic, training, education and practical experience I posses, I have come to realize that effective leadership is "hard to come by."  Some of the most ineffectual leaders are in the educational field (speaking from my own experience). 

There is a trend in education to use teachers in leadership roles.  Well, that's really great, if they are truly given the autonomy to do that with guidance.  Is leadership always doing what you are told? or is leadership compliance?  Does leadership operate from a basis of inducing fear?

I don't know. . . what I do know is . . .

True and effective leaders always have their eyes on the horizon and facilitates the establishment of goals that are worthy and achievable.  The true leader maintains those high expectations, and is also aware of and facilitates the workers by not only giving them tools to do their job, but including support to the workers.  The true leader grants autonomy to the workers in reaching the horizon, rather than stifling creative and productive problem solving. A true leader is really a servant to those that they lead.